MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 146, 20 November 1874, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Friday, November 20. (Before Dr Back and W. H. Potts, Esq., J.P.’s.) DRUNK AND DISORDECLV. Charles Cockerill, for drunkenness, was fined 10s, and Wm Lawson 10s. LUNACY FROM DRINK. Michael Murphy, who had been arrested at Lake Coleridge station on this charge, was remanded to Lyttelton for one week. LARCENY. George Wm Price was charged, on remand, with the larceny of a watch and chain from Thos C. Barrett. Dr Foster appeared for the accused. The evidence taken when prisoner was last before the Court was read over. Henry Allen, landlord of the Golden Age Hotel, remembered a man named Barrett being at his hotel on the evening of 23rd October. Saw the watch and chain produced that night. Was certain about the chain. He was under the influence of drink, and he (witness) refused to serve him. Advised him to go away, and the prisoner came up and offered to see him home, and they both went away together. Saw them go away arm in arm. In about ten minutes afterwards returned and asked if he had left his watch and chain at witness’s house.

By Dr Foster—The prisoner was not in my hotel, but came up as I was lighting my lamp, and offered to see the prisoner home. I have seen the prisoner before, and know he is the man who offered to see Barrett home. I won’t swear to the watch, but the chain' is identical with the one Barrett wore.

Thos C. Barrett, gardener, living at the Ashburton, remembered being at the Golden Age Hotel on the night of 23rd October last, but did not remember seeing the prisoner as he (witness) was not sober at the time. Had the watch and chain produced in his possession that night, and afterwards missed them. Gave information to the police of the loss same night. The watch and chain were not actually his property, but only left in his charge. Their value -was about £ls.

By Dr Foster—l had not seen the watch since they were stolen, before 1 was shown it just now. 1 was refused drink that night at the Golden Age Hotel, and do not remember who was with me at the time. I was not sober when I returned to the hotel. When I went back the landlord told me I had not left the watch and chain there. After being formally cautioned the prisoner reserved his defence, and was committed to take his trial at the next Criminal Session of the Supreme Court. ASSAULT. The adjourned case against Hugh McClutchie for assaulting Louisa Spearrey, was called on. Inspector Buckley told the Bench that the police could not see the complainant, though they knew she was in the neighbourhood of her dwelling. Case further adjourned until Thursday next. BREACH OF DESTITUTE PERSONS RELIEF ACT. William Jeffrey was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his three children. Mr Callender, Charitable Aid Officer, stated that on the 12th August the department took charge of defendant’s three children, who promised to pay for their support. He was to pay 6s, for each of them. Had failed to do so. He believed that defendant was working at Ashburton. Defendant said that he had been burning bricks at the Ashburton, but had not been able to sell them. He had instructed them to be sold, and the money to be forwarded to Mr Callender. The Bench made an order for the payment of 6s a week from that date, and Mr Callender to take out a summons against defendant for the amount owing up to date. ASSAULT. Anthony Ferrick, who had failed to appear the previous day, to answer the charge of assaulting his wife, was brought up on warrant. Mrs Ferrick repeated her former evidence. The accused was bound over in two sureties in £lO each to keep the peace for twelve months, in default one month’s imprisonment. LYTTELTON. Thursday, November 19, [Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M.] EMBEZZLEMENT OF CARGO. George Pearce William Woods, George Smithborue, and George Smith, able seamen, belonging to the ship Waitara, were brought up, charged by Captain Peek, with this offence. The Bench, after hearing the evidence of the Captain, adjourned the case until tomorrow. for the production of witnesses unable to attend, Sergeant-Major O’Grady stating that further charges would be laid against some of the men for assault on the captain.